The Metropolitan Police have today issued a reminder that e-scooters are illegal on roads and in public places.

A group of MPs from the Transport Select Committee have called for the scooters to be legalised.

This is due to how eco-friendly they are, especially compared to cars.

However currently they remain illegal.

Chief Superintendent Simon Ovens, from the Met's Road and Transport Policing Command said: "I believe that some people are using e-scooters as an attractive mode of transport, especially in their commute to work, but they remain notoriously dangerous, and illegal when driven in public areas or on the roads. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is the equivalent of riding a motorcycle on the road without any MOT, tax or insurance.

"Whilst we have seized e-scooters which can operate up to 40 mph, there are some which can reach 70 mph. There is no test required to be able to ride one which means people often do not have an understanding of the road awareness; they do not wear a helmet or have lights on them so riding one means they are putting themselves and others at risk, especially at this time of year with the early evenings."

Due to their illegal use, collisions on e-scooters are underreported. In 2018 there were four reported collisions and in 2019 that rose to 32.

Ch Supt Ovens continued: "My priority is to keep people safe on our roads and make sure people are aware of the rules and look out for their own, and others, safety.

"In the lead up to Christmas, we want to remind people that if you are buying one, under current legislation, you can only ride it on private land with the land owner's permission.

"If you are out on an e-scooter in London, expect to be stopped by officers as we continue to help keep Londoners safe."

Offences committed can include, but are not exclusive to, operating a vehicle without insurance, contravening a cycle lane, or riding them on the pavement. Officers can issue e-scooter riders with a Traffic Offence Report (TOR), where appropriate. The consequences of this can be up to a £300 fine and six points on your driving licence.

Since July the police have had reports of over 290 crimes carried out involving an e-scooter for various offences including robbery, assault and theft currently under investigation by officers.

Specific legislation has been put in place for an e-scooter trial which could take place in the spring in London. The Met fully support this and the trial will focus on the safety of both the rider and road users.

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